Principal Consultant

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change. Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us. Our mission is to help purpose‑led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.

We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.

With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.

The Role

The Principal Consultants are the primary contact between us and the customer in as much as they provide assurance to the customer that we are capable of providing a solution to their business problem. Whilst the Account Manager has a key role, the Principal Consultant is the person that the customer sees providing designs that comprehensively address the needs and, perhaps most crucially, responding to change and issues calmly and coherently.

Our Principal Consultants deliver data strategy work, engaging with the customer to understand their data maturity, defining a road map and supporting business case creation. A Principal Consultant is expected to support a team of consultants delivering a project, often delegating to and supporting a Lead Consultant with the full life cycle delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Expertise and Delivery
  • Lead full Lifecycle of Analytics Projects from design, estimation and implementation from a technical and quality assurance perspective.
  • Gather project requirements through situation assessments, workshops, or interviews.
  • Produce clear and accurate Initiation Packs, Functional Specifications, Technical Specifications, or Situation Assessments.
  • Establish and maintain standards for technical design documentation within your specialist area.
  • Select and apply appropriate documentation formats based on project needs (e.g. process flows, ERDs, test plans, data mappings).
• Project Accountability and Escalation
  • Hold overall accountability for the delivery of client projects, either with direct ownership or acting as an escalation point for others.
  • Oversee multiple projects concurrently, providing guidance and leadership to the delivery teams.
  • Provide leadership on project governance and technical execution, ensuring that the technical approach delivers to best practice.
  • Ensure project estimates include sufficient time for full project management responsibilities.
  • Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and surrounding context.
  • Apply Agile principles to plan and manage proactively and in line with agreed methodologies.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Manage client relationships and handle challenging conversations confidently but with sensitivity.
  • Maintain strong connections with the customer, project team, and internal stakeholders.
  • Use appropriate levers to drive project outcomes while maintaining quality, time, and cost tolerances.
  • Work with the Sales and Pre‑Sales teams to reflect complex and/or larger project requirements in terms of estimates for work outlining both the effort and anticipated duration.
  • Provide development support alongside other project team members.
  • Mentor junior team members and contribute to their professional growth.
  • Support the Graduate Recruitment and Development Programme.

Skills And Attributes Required

• Recognised industry expertise, with the ability to apply and share this knowledge.
• Proven experience in a consultancy environment at a similar level, or with readiness to step up to this level.
• Confidence and experience in public speaking, with an interest in contributing to the wider data community.
• Project or programme management experience, with formal accreditations (Agile, Prince2 Practitioner) desirable but not required.
• Product vendor certification where it exists.
• A genuine passion for technology, with an awareness of trends and best practice in their field.
• Proactive in ensuring that they are aware of changes in their field.

Technical Competencies

It is expected that Principal Consultants will be technically excellent in their technologies and products. The exact technical skills will be agreed with the Principal Consultant as part of their objectives and career development. A Data Principal Consultant will have experience of multiple technologies ranging from Microsoft on‑premises technology through to the cloud. This is likely to include Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft PowerBI and ETL tools such as SSIS. Experience in Databricks is also desirable, and there is a core expectation that you will develop your technical knowledge as the landscape changes.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain Security Clearance and NPPV Level 3. Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.